Movin to Cedar Rapids,Iowa (Marion, Gibson: home search, best schools, college)

[burgeraz]

Hello,
Looking for some wisdom on where to do home searches in the CR area. Looking for a wooded lot with the best schools and lowest(er) property taxes. Is this unrealistic?

[zz4guy]

I think your property taxes will be about 2% across the board wherever you are here. There are some good private schools here - Xavier high school & a dozen or so elementary schools. I'd recommend them over any of the public schools.

If you are serious about low property taxes, more freedom and cheaper land you might consider living in the country in Benton Co. You can escape the county taxes that way. You have to drive more but it is big savings.

[Me,myselfandI]

There is a nice new school called Viola Gibson which is on the edge of Cedar Rapids in the growing communities. In this school district you will have a better chance of finding housing outside of the higher property taxes. (Avoid Marion if property tax is crucial to you.) Pierce, college community, Johnson, Viola Gibson are the schools that are my preference for public elementary within Cedar Rapids. two of my kids attend Pierce and we love it! I would suggest somewhere on the NE side of town as it is most convenient to everything in Cedar Rapids. The SW side is a bit more inexpensive but not much to make it a huge difference,if you like convenience. I suggest checking out these school boundaries for a place to live. You can find wooden lots in the Riverbend area, very family oriented and convenient location. Residencies from $200,000 on up. If you are looking for more inexpensive housing in these school districts, look at areas off 42nd street NE, not far from the interstate. I think this area is the most convenient place to live out of all areas in Cedar RApids, quick to malls, multiple grocery stores, gas stations and plenty of parks and walking trails within a mile. good luck in your search.